Disaster

/dɪˈzæs.tər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss.

The earthquake was a disaster that left thousands homeless.

a complete failure; a fiasco.

The dinner party was a disaster when the main course burned.

an event resulting in great misfortune.

The oil spill was an environmental disaster that affected marine life.

From the Italian 'disastro', from 'dis-' (bad) + 'astro' (star), implying a bad star or fate.

disaster area

A place that has been severely affected by a disaster, often marked by destruction.

a disaster waiting to happen

A situation that is likely to lead to disaster in the future.

turning a disaster into an opportunity

Finding a way to benefit from a bad situation.

catastrophe

An event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering.

calamity

An event causing great and often sudden damage or distress.

tragedy

An event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress.

A major failure or mistake.

That exam was a total disaster; I really didn't study.

An embarrassing situation.

Her date turned into a disaster when he spilled wine all over himself.